Top down: FBI typology approach

• the top down approach creates a profile using pre-established typologies and knowledge and so is known as top-down. created in 1970s by FBI
• based on data from 36 interviews of the most dangerous and sexually motivated murderers.
• what are the modus operandi that could be help identify type of offender

  1. organised
  2. unorganised
• what is organised modus operandi?

  • well planned crimes
  • victim is specifically targeted
  • body hidden and they are careful to leave as little evidence as possible
• what is the profile of organised modus operandi?


  intelligent, well-educated, socially and sexually competent
• what is disorganised modus operandi?

  • unplanned
  • random selection of victim
  • leave evidence behind such as blood or semen
• what is the profile of disorganised modus operandi?

  lower intelligence, sexually incompetent, live alone, mental health problems, abused in childhood.
• what factors did Ressler et al 1988 suggest in order to categorise the offender?

  • murder type - serial killer, spree killer
  • primary intent - was the attack pre-meditated
  • victim risk - low risk target such as children or prostitute